Kerala’s Ancy Sojan soars; Asian Games Long Jump Silver for India

NAGOYA: India’s Ancy Sojan won the silver medal in the women’s long jump at the Asian Games after a closely fought competition, recording a best jump of 6.53 metres. Ancy led for much of the competition before China’s Huang Yingying overtook her with her sixth and final attempt. Huang jumped 6.55 metres to win the gold, finishing just two centimetres ahead of Ancy.

Ancy opened with a 6.49-metre jump before fouling on her second attempt. She then recorded 6.46 metres in her third attempt and 6.31 metres in her fourth. Her best effort came in the fifth attempt, when she jumped 6.53 metres. She finished with a 6.49-metre effort in her final attempt. The silver marks another Asian Games medal for Ancy, who had also won silver at the previous edition in Hangzhou.

Daughter of an autorickshaw driver

The 25-year-old athlete is the daughter of Sojan, an autorickshaw driver from Nattika in Thrissur. Although Ancy had been interested in sports from a young age, difficult circumstances initially stood in the way of her sporting ambitions. Sojan eventually devoted himself to helping his daughter pursue a career in athletics and also coached her during her school years.

Ancy went on to win several gold medals at state and national school athletics competitions. She is now serving in the Indian Navy as a Chief Petty Officer.